Holly Hotel hosts haunting events for Halloween

Carry Nation may have visited Holly during her battle against alcohol, but she most likely isn't hanging around the Holly Hotel these days. That doesn't mean you won't encounter any spirits in the Victorian Seance and other Halloween events at the historic location.

Adventurous spirits will find an array of spooky events this Halloween season at the Holly Hotel, often referred to as the most haunted historic building in Michigan.

Visitors are invited to take part in a real paranormal investigation, attend a séance or enjoy a spook-tacular meal at the Annual Witches Luncheon.

The hotel, which has long been the scene of various ghostly encounters and strange happenings, kicks into high-spirited gear as the official witching day draws near.

Thrill-seeking guests are invited to join a team of actual paranormal investigators on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31, in a two-hour ghost hunt, complete with sensors, thermal scanners and cameras. Following the hunt, a medium and members of the investigative team will conduct a session where participants can share their experiences.

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Those interested in communicating with the spirit world can take part in an authentic Victorian séance, which will be led by an actual medium each evening through Halloween night.

For some deliciously lighter Halloween fun, the hotel is hosting its annual Witches Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 31. Displaying their most elegant witches hats (optional), guests will enjoy a devilishly delectable meal and receive a special commemorative gift.

A Halloween-themed dinner menu is available in the hotel restaurant throughout the month of October, featuring such delights as Black Widow Cocktails, Dracula Teeth and Walnut Brains.

“The whole hotel and restaurant staff embraces the spirit of the Halloween season,” said Chrissy Kutlenios, who owns the Holly Hotel with her husband, George. “Anything goes, and we all have a lot of fun.”

Throughout the years, numerous hotel guests and employees have witnessed and documented ghostly sightings and mysterious scents and sounds. In 1989, world famous “ghostbuster” and parapsychology professor Norman Gauthier visited the hotel and declared it “loaded with spirits.” Astonishing photos and data have been collected from groups such as the “Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan,” who frequently visit the hotel to perform all-night investigations using cameras and other ghost detecting devices.

The Holly Hotel is at 110 Battle Alley in Holly. For more information, reservations and a complete schedule of events, call 248-634-5208 or visit www.hollyhotel.com.